The exceptionally warm nights and inability to sleep has left me feeling a little bit melancholy and in one of those reminiscing moods. It all started a couple of days ago when I started chatting on social media to some old friends about the good old days, old names and events mentioned and, in some ways, a good old fashioned nostalgia fest.
That was tempered somewhat yesterday evening while doing the washing up when I was encouraged by these chats to get Alexa to play some of the tunes that were important to me “back in the day”, A bit of Spandau Ballet, some Hall and Oates and I thought Id top it off with that most underrated of 80s bands Johnny Hates Jazz. I plumped for the brilliant “Turn Back the Clock” which was on reflection a mistake. I urge anyone on such a retrospective journey not to get this song in your head as you will undoubtedly end up crying into your pot noodle and getting tear stains on your Hyper Colour Tee shirt ( bought from Cinderford Market potentially or Fosters).
Lying here in silence Picture in my hand Of a boy I still resemble But I no longer understand And as the tears run freely How I realise they were the best years of my life
Blimey! talk about kill the mood? May as well pack it in now then?
But of course, looking back doesn’t always have to end up with you crumpled a sobbing mess in the corner of the kitchen being comforted by an over exuberant cocker spaniel who clearly thinks that the BIG FELLA is in need of a little pet pacifying.
For instance, I have now realised that next February will see me reach the decade point as a District Councillor. For five of those years, I have rather inexplicably been Leader of that Council. Its been a great deal of hard graft but supported by many others we’ve done Ok! Hopefully the people of Berry Hill might consider me worthy of further election success next May, but we will see then. You can never take anything for granted and I realise I may be a little Old Hat these days.
Longevity in public service is difficult to achieve. I am in awe of Councillors such as Paul Hiett Councillor for Bream for seventy-eight years or something and Di Martin who must have been taking her A levels when she first got onto the Council.
To offer to serve with all that entails and to continue to have the publics faith is testament to them as people, I think. It is after all, the most valuable thing someone in the community can give you, their vote.
They also must have a love for their community and their place. I know in my heart that’s about the one thing I can try to emulate Paul and Di in. Alongside many representatives and despite what some people on social media want to try to portray most Councillors do the job because of a love of this place, this district, and a willingness to see a better Forest of Dean for the people that live here.
Of course, that passion for this place can manifest itself in many forms. There are one or two Councillors currently hell bent on showing the world how they are the ones who love the Forest the most and are the true guardians and protectors of the place we all call home. They do this by a method of trying to prevent any growth or development whatsoever by a combination of conspiracy theories and snake oil sales.
That’s not a love of this place.
A love of this place is the sort of dedicated service displayed by the likes of Di Martin and Paul Hiett. They prove that you survive and get that longevity by being dedicated, by listening to people and above all by working for the people who vote you in and not for yourself.
A lesson many in Westminster would do well to learn I’d suggest.
Our snake oil salesmen are no Paul Hiett or Di Martin.
So where the past has its place and its always worth a visit, its not somewhere we should ever stay for too long. The future is where its at for us all personally and for this wonderful district. We must celebrate all its culture and history, its fables its tales and its legends. We must ensure they are all there for future generations to learn and to hold dear.
But those future generations won’t thank us for even trying to preserve the Forest of Dean in aspic. Our forefathers, those Foresters of centuries ago didn’t do it, they allowed the Forest to move on. We must do the same and protect that culture and heritage at the same time.We have to tackle the climate issues that are smacking us right in the face, protect and enhance biodiversity but also address our housing, education and job needs.Its difficult , in fact its bloody hard, but it isn't fixed by any snake oil.
The past can belong to us , the Future belongs to everyone.
Which reminds me, we have a comms manager. Top notch and utterly brilliant she is. But on a weekend when Howard Jones, Elton John, Paul Young and the Eagles are all touring she chooses to go and watch Guns and Roses.
Now some things are better off left in the past.
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